Day 1

3rd August 2020

Day 1 Stage 4 Lockdown, Melbourne

MapOut GPS recording of route walked Walking map of sites 1-3

On the way, a police car, cruising slowly down a one way street. Ray Bradbury's short story The Pedestrian (1951) surfaces in my thoughts. The uncomfortable feeling of walking alone in a monitored public space. Stage 4 restrictions mean: face masks, curfew, curtailment and confinement, seeming to resemble science fiction more than reality.

"Walking," said Leonard Mead.

"Walking!"

"Just walking," he said simply, but his face felt cold.

"Walking, just walking, walking?"

"Yes, sir."

"Walking where? For what?"

"Walking for air. Walking to see."

Site 1. Barrow St. between The Avenue & The Grove.

(Click on image to link to sound file)

Site 2. Nicholson St. between The Avenue & The Grove.

(Click on image to link to sound file)

Site 3. Cnr The Avenue & Kirkby St.

(Click on image to link to sound file)